Chapter 304: Chapter 281 Another Problem
Daxing!
Upon hearing these two words, Jiang Kesong’s eyes widened, and an expression of surprise appeared on his usually calm face: "Young Madam, you said—"
Shang Ruyi said, "After picking them up, you don’t need to stop; go directly to Daxing City!"
"..."
Jiang Kesong didn’t speak. Instead, he furrowed his brows and thought for a while before opening his mouth, with uncertainty in his eyes and tone, softly saying, "Young Madam, are you sure?"
You should know, although Daxing City is the Capital of the Daye Dynasty, ever since Chu Yang ascended the throne and built the Eastern Capital, relocating the entire court eastward, Daxing City has almost become an abandoned capital. Over the years, Duke Sheng initially followed the Great Court to the Eastern Capital, then was stationed at Shanxi, scarcely returning to Daxing City. The people he left there are few and almost useless.
At this moment, returning to Daxing City, is it really a good idea?
Thinking about this, although knowing that his identity shouldn’t meddle in major affairs, Jiang Kesong cautiously said, "Young Madam, please reconsider."
Shang Ruyi lowered her head and pondered for a while.
Finally, she lifted her head and resolutely said, "Let’s go to Daxing."
"..."
"Whether by waterway, small road, or official road, even if your people ride fast horses, picking them up will take at least three months; and when they cross the river northwards, by that time, the situation in Daxing City should have been settled."
"..."
"So, don’t hesitate. Let them proceed to Daxing after picking up the people."
Jiang Kesong looked at her, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
This Young Madam—he had previously spoken to Yu Wenye at Xingluo Granary about his assessment of her, "predicting things with prophetic accuracy," and this prediction was evidently based on her anticipations of the unfolding of events and foreseeing the actions of certain individuals. Generally speaking, small matters are easy, but major affairs are challenging, because numerous forces are involved, and many human sentiments change.
What she just mentioned isn’t the small Xingluo Granary, nor the insignificant Military Supervisor Kou Junliang.
It is Daxing City!
What does she mean by saying Daxing City is "settled"?!
Although many people now consider Daxing City almost an abandoned capital, everyone knows that there is accumulated wealth and power of the nobles from Dingchuan Military Town, including Duke Sheng and others, who, although abandoned by the current Emperor, aren’t completely useless.
On the contrary, if someone can reclaim Daxing City, it would be akin to opening a treasure chest filled with endless treasures!
And Shang Ruyi said it’s settled, does it mean—
Jiang Kesong’s breathing subtly intensified, he took a deep look at Shang Ruyi, and then said, "Subordinates understand. Subordinates will proceed right away."
After he left, Shang Ruyi also took a long, deep breath.
She slowly stood up and walked to the door, looking up at the increasingly dark sky outside. Above, countless stars started to flicker faintly; it seemed that tomorrow might be a clear, good day, yet the cloud of unknown unease still pressed over her heart.
After being silent for a long time, she murmured: "Less than five days left."
In fact, time passed faster than she thought.
Two days later, under almost "palace forcing" pressure from several Vice Generals, Wang Gong had no choice but to take them to find Yu Wenye again.
At that time, Yu Wenye was inspecting the training of the stationed troops in Warehouse City with Yan Buuai. He earnestly said, "Training is relatively hard, but you should understand, this Warehouse City isn’t as sturdy as it seems. Once breached, you will be like the people of Xiao Yuansui before, becoming trapped in a jar. Diligent training isn’t for others but for gaining more survival chances in this chaotic era, also reducing the possible pain for your families."
Yan Buuai and his men hearing this were accustomed to only hearing the need to be loyal to His Majesty the Emperor and to the court; this was the first time hearing such words, leaving them stunned.
After a long while, he said solemnly, "Great General... you are the first to treat us as humans."
Yu Wenye said indifferently, "You are already human beings, don’t depend on others’ perceptions."
Yan Buuai and the others looked at him; the despair hidden in their eyes and deep in their hearts seemed to be ignited by something.
At this time, Wang Gong and his men walked over. Seeing them, Yu Wenye politely said, "Mr. Wang, you have arrived."
"Great General, everyone,"
Wang Gong greeted everyone with a smile and said cautiously, "Great General, we have stopped at Xingluo Granary for several days, has the grain allocation been settled?"
Yu Wenye said, "It’s settled."
"Then—"
Wang Gong asked more carefully, "Can we set off?"
Yu Wenye didn’t answer the question; instead, he glanced at him, with a slight frown, seemingly hesitant to speak.
Beside him, Yan Buuai immediately said, "Mr. Wang, Great General has his logic in maneuvering his army, the results of those forcing the Great General to use troops previously are known to you. On the battlefield, cold steel is blind, one mustn’t act recklessly."
Though Wang Gong had a good temperament, he wasn’t someone that a regular Assistant General could criticize. He immediately showed an annoyed expression: "This matter seems unrelated to your Xingluo Granary. Your only responsibility is to prepare the provisions; attacking Wanggang Village is our concern."
Yan Buuai furrowed his brows, about to speak when Yu Wenye raised his hand to stop him.
Wang Gong immediately said, "Great General, you think—"
Yu Wenye glanced at him again and then said, "Mr. Wang, this General knows your difficulties; indeed, it isn’t right to stay here for days, but this General has reasons."
A Vice General Zhao Shen beside him immediately asked, "Oh? May I know the reasons of the Great General?"
Yu Wenye said, "Before setting off, this General dispatched vanguards to Wanggang Village to investigate the truth, intending to know oneself and the enemy."
Another Vice General Pang Tianbao asked, "So, what’s the situation there—"
Yu Wenye said, "From about half a month ago, several leaders of Wanggang Village began gradually leaving the place with their followers. Now, there are fewer than half of the previous people left guarding Wanggang Village."
Upon hearing this news, everyone’s eyes lit up immediately.
Pang Tianbao exclaimed, "Since it’s like this, why don’t we hurry to march, take advantage of their weak defense, and seize Wanggang Village in one go, achieving unparalleled merits for the Great General!"
The others chimed in agreement.
Yu Wenye nodded, "This is indeed a good opportunity for us."
"Then—"
"But, gentlemen, don’t you care about another issue?"
Everyone exchanged glances, a bit puzzled, Wang Gong asked, "What issue?"